Sep 9, 2010 4:59 PM

I'm not the most dedicated gardener and I confess to using the excuse of 'supporting biodiversity' to explain my rampant shrubs and overgrown grass. I know there are lots of species that are said to be struggling at the moment, including bees. Does anyone have any hints about what to grow in the garden to encourage as much biodiversity as possible, and to make it appear attractive to struggling species? I do enjoy sitting in the garden, so can't go for total wilderness!

And is it true that mowing your lawn can actually promote biodiversity? I think I read that at the butterfly exhibition at the Museum one year, although I would've thought it would be better to let the plants grow.....

The RHS has lots of useful ideas on their website - www.rhs.org.uk. They have pages and pages of ideas. Just type in 'wildlife' on their search facility. Although it is under their 'gardening for schools' section there are lists of plants etc that is very useful.

The pH of the soil is likely to be a major reason for this. So take part in the survey yourself and see how your garden compares with others.

OPAL also has a bee hotel project, to encourage bees into your garden. There are instructions on how to make your own bee hotel on the OPAL site. Best thing about it is, the bees that use the hotel are solitary bee species which dont sting!

Make your garden a place that butterflies want to visit – plant their favourite plants there!

Build a mini pond for frogs and toads

Put up a bird box or bat box in your garden to encourage them to set up home there.

... or anything else that inspires you!

You can share your photos of what you’re doing at home or in your local neighbourhood to help safeguard the diversity of plant and animal life with Kew Flickr. Tell us what you’ve done, show us your pictures and inspire others to get involved!